We Answer Your Questions
When did LEAN CUISINE become part of NESTLÉ and when was LEAN CUISINE first introduced?
The STOUFFER'S brand, which dates back to the 1920s, launched their frozen foods division in 1954, offering take-home frozen meals from their restaurants to customers in need of easy dinner or portable lunch ideas. NESTLÉ acquired STOUFFER'S in 1973, and LEAN CUISINE was launched in 1981 as part of STOUFFER'S.
What is the relationship between LEAN CUISINE and LIFE CUISINE?
LIFE CUISINE is an exciting, new brand developed by the chefs and nutritionists that also make LEAN CUISINE. LIFE CUISINE makes delicious and satisfying meals that match your approach to eating well. Created for low carb lifestyle, high protein, meatless and gluten free dietary preferences. LEAN CUISINE continues to offer portion-controlled versions of your favorite foods to help you stay on track, with 10g of fat or less, and always 400 calories or less. Together, LEAN CUISINE and LIFE CUISINE offer an accessible range of ready-made meals expertly crafted to meet your tastes and preferences.
Where can I buy LEAN CUISINE? How much does a Lean Cuisine Cost?
Lean Cuisine® has a rewards program for our loyal consumers! Click here to learn more about our Lean Cuisine® myRewards loyalty program and how you can start earning points towards Lean Cuisine® deals today!
I can’t find my favorite LEAN CUISINE dish in stores; will you bring it back?
We understand it can be frustrating when something you love is suddenly not available. Contact us and we can help you find another favorite! We encourage you to ask your local store manager about bringing back your favorites, as they decide which recipes to stock.
I’ve got my go-to LEAN CUISINE entrees, but I want to try something new. How can I get your recommendations?
Give one of our delicious NEW Oven Fried Chicken Bowls or Cauli’BowlsTM a try and enjoy guilt-free versions of the indulgent recipes you crave! Our Oven Fried Chicken Bowls feature white meat chicken that is breaded then cooked in an oven with a touch of oil, high-heat and circulated air, so you can enjoy a delicious meal with half the fat. If you’re looking to take a more carb conscious approach to regular pasta our Cauli’BowlsTM are made with cauliflower and have the Same Great Pasta Taste, with Fewer Net Carbs.
Which Lean Cuisine meals are low carb conscious?
Lean Cuisine wants you to take charge with Carb Conscious options that help you manage mealtime deliciously with crave-worthy pastas made with cauliflower that are all 400 calories or less with 30 grams of net carbs or less. Net carbs are total carbs minus fiber.
Is the tray recyclable?
Plastic Trays: Our trays now contain 25% recycled plastic, making them easier to recycle. Be sure to check with your local recycling program to confirm if these trays are accepted.
Paperboard: The paperboard outer carton is recyclable. We continue to strive towards our NESTLÉ USA 2050 sustainability initiative of zero environmental impact in our operations. Please continue to check on-pack for the most up-to-date recyclability information.
Can I reuse the tray?
We do not recommend that the trays be reused. They were not designed as reusable containers.
Does LEAN CUISINE have BPA?
LEAN CUISINE does not use BPA when creating our trays.
How many calories are in a LEAN CUISINE meal?
LEAN CUISINE calories vary by dish, but all are 400 calories or less. Refer to the “Our Products” section of our site for more information and always check the product label for the most up-to-date ingredient, nutrition and allergen information.
Does LEAN CUISINE offer meatless options?
Yes! LEAN CUISINE offers many meatless meals. Take a look at our menu of meatless options.
Does LEAN CUISINE offer gluten-free options?
Yes, LEAN CUISINE does offer a variety of gluten-free entrees, but not all our dishes are gluten-free. Refer to the ingredient panel on the product for more information to ensure that you've chosen an entrée that fits your dietary restrictions.
Aren’t your meals high in sodium?
Our team of chefs works incredibly hard to create nutritious frozen meals that meet your lifestyle. The sodium in our products as in most foods is used to help provide flavor. And you might be surprised to know that we have 25 LEAN CUISINE products that contain 650mg of sodium or less. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans advise that adults limit sodium intake to 2,300mg but Americans eat on average ~3,400mg of sodium per day.
What are the sodium levels in LEAN CUISINE?
LEAN CUISINE dishes have between 340-900mg of sodium (avg. of ~690mg). We passionately care about balancing flavor and nutrition in our recipes. On average, eating a LEAN CUISINE entrée would represent ~30% of the daily sodium intake recommended by the 2020 – 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The guideline is set at 2,300mg, but Americans, on average, consume ~3,400mg of sodium per day. Refer to the product label for the most up-to-date ingredient, nutrition and allergen information.
I have a food allergy. How do I find out if your products contain any of the 9 major food allergens?
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 90% of allergic reactions to food are caused by: milk, egg, fish, crustacea (e.g., shellfish like shrimp, lobster, crab), tree nuts (almonds, pecans, hazelnuts, walnuts, etc.), wheat, peanuts, soybean and sesame. These foods are often referred to as the "Big 9," and we always label products accordingly whenever these foods (or proteins derived from these foods) are present in our products. Refer to the product label for the most accurate nutrition, ingredient and allergen information.
How do I prepare my LEAN CUISINE?
The LEAN CUISINE recommended preparation instructions on the package provide the optimal results for the dish. All of our entrees can be prepared in the microwave, and those cooking times are based on the usage of an 1100-watt microwave oven. If alternative preparation methods are recommended for a particular dish, they will be provided on the packaging.
How do I prepare my LEAN CUISINE dish if my microwave is not 1100 watts?
Our cooking times are based on an 1100-watt microwave oven. As microwave ovens vary, cooking times may need to be adjusted. If a lower wattage microwave is used, the cooking time may need to be increased. If additional time is added, it is important to watch the product while it is cooking to avoid bubbling over. For safety, always ensure the product reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
My microwave doesn't have 50% power. How do I microwave your products properly?
50% power is the same as power level 5, medium, medium-low and in some cases, the defrost settings on microwaves. If your microwave only has one setting, you can heat the product on high for half the amount of time, then check it. If the internal temperature has not reached 165° F, continue cooking on high but check every 30-60 seconds to keep it from overcooking.
How long do LEAN CUISINE meals last in the refrigerator/freezer?
LEAN CUISINE dishes must be stored in the freezer and cooked thoroughly from a frozen state for product safety and optimal quality. Refer to the side panel of the product package for the “Best Before” date.
Why can't I prepare your products in a toaster oven?
LEAN CUISINE dishes are not meant to be prepared in a toaster oven. Always follow the cooking instructions on the LEAN CUISINE packaging.
What is LEAN CUISINE doing to support a sustainable future?
We believe in creating shared value for our planet, for society and for our business. Innovation at NESTLÉ means driving change across our business, from the ingredients and packaging we use to keep our food safe to how we support local communities. Learn more at Nestlé's Commitment to Sustainability | Nestlé USA.